Chicago Fire Names Frank Yallop as New Head Coach and Director of Soccer

CHICAGO, Ill. (October 31, 2013) ­– The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Thursday that Frank Yallop has been named its new head coach and director of soccer. The Watford, England native and former Canadian international defender has won two MLS Cup Championships as a coach, and has twice been named MLS Coach of the Year.

“In this league it’s all about competing and winning at a consistent level,” said Chicago Fire owner Andrew Hauptman. “Frank is a proven winner with a tremendous soccer pedigree as both a player and as a coach. He has won at the MLS level and coached on the interational stage. I look forward to him bringing his expertise to Chicago, not to mention a championship, as he has done in the past.”

Yallop, 49, most recently served as head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes. In his second stint with the Earthquakes he was named 2012 MLS Coach of the Year after the Earthquakes captured the MLS Supporters’ Shield with a 19-6-9 record, repeating the title he won there in 2001. In his combined 11 seasons as a MLS head coach, Yallop compiled a 117-107-84 overall record, the fifth most wins in MLS history.

“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to join the Chicago Fire Soccer Club,” said Yallop. “The Fire has a rich tradition, great core of talent, and committed, forward-thinking leadership. I can’t wait to get to work with the Men in Red.”

Yallop had a distinguished 16-year playing career in England and MLS prior to joining the coaching ranks.

Yallop will begin reviewing and evaluating the entire technical staff and operations immediately. Currently residing in the Bay Area, Yallop is expected to move to Chicago next week.